William McKinley

author

William McKinley

1843–1901

A Civil War veteran who rose from Ohio politics to the White House, he led the United States at a turning point of industrial growth, war, and expanding international power. His presidency ended tragically with his assassination in 1901, but it left a lasting mark on the country's place in the world.

3 Audiobooks

Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents: William McKinley; Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the Spanish-American War

Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents: William McKinley; Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the Spanish-American War

by William McKinley

A Supplement to A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents: William McKinley

by William McKinley

State of the Union Addresses

State of the Union Addresses

by William McKinley

About the author

Born in 1843 in Niles, Ohio, William McKinley served in the Union Army during the Civil War before building a career in law and politics. He represented Ohio in Congress, became known for his support of protective tariffs, and later served as governor of Ohio.

McKinley was elected the 25th president of the United States in 1896 and won reelection in 1900. His years in office were marked by economic recovery after a severe depression and by the Spanish-American War, after which the United States took control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

He remains an important figure in the story of America at the end of the 19th century, when the nation was becoming a more active world power. McKinley was shot while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, and died in 1901.